Korea Observer

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Filipina actress Maui Taylor's foray into her first Korean film project proved to be a blessing. The movie, "The Taste of Money" (Korean title "Don-eui Mat"), has been officially invited to compete in the 65th Cannes Film Festival, which will be held on May 16 to 27.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – Korean dramas “Tree with Deep Roots” and “The Moon that Embraces the Sun” won top honors along with films “Nameless Gangster” and “Unbowed” at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards held April 26. The awards ceremony, held at the Seoul Olympic Hall, honored excellence in films and TV in Korea. Winners in the Baeksang Arts Awards. (Photos by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  MANILA, Philippines - Popular Korean actors Lee Byung Hun and Ahn Sung Ki will be honored in Hollywood by way of casting their hand and foot prints on the famous courtyard of the Grauman's Chinese Theater. Lee Byung Hun at his press conference and as Storm Shadow. (Photos by www.newsen.com and Paramount Pictures)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – Lady Gaga is getting ready to kick off her “The Born This Way Ball” world tour in Seoul on April 27 amid protests by local conservative Christian groups that the singer promotes homosexuality and pornography. The flamboyant singer arrived in Seoul on April 20 wearing a mask and a gown, a week before her concert to do rehearsals. Lady Gaga upon her arrival in Seoul and at the rehearsals. (Photos by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – Filipino fans of Korean boy band JYJ has come together for their first-ever gathering in the country to show their love and support to their idol group. Called “JYJ Haven: The Beginning: The JYJ Philippines 1st Fan Gathering,” the event was held on April 21 at Discovery Suites in Pasig. Filipino JYJ fans at the gathering. (Photos courtesy of JYJ Philippines)

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will operate 365 fountains installed in parks and streets across the city from April or May to September. In order to save energy, the City Government has decided to reduce the operating period of the fountains by two months compared with previous years. 

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – K-pop rapper and b-boy Jay Park’s mall tour in Manila will be held on May 4 to 6 in different venues. Jay Park will be in the country to promote his new album “New Breed,” which contains 15 tracks including the carrier single, “Know Your Name.” ( Photo courtesy of MCA Music Facebook page)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – Actress Jun Ji Hyun, who rose to fame through the hit Korean film “My Sassy Girl,” got married on April 13 to her boyfriend Choi Jun Hyuk, the grandson of famous hanbok (traditional Korean dress) designer Lee Young-hee. Photos by www.newsen.com

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin   MANILA, Philippines — Boy band BEAST and solo artist IU are the top winners in the Korea Kids’ Choice Awards 2012 organized by Nickelodeon Korea. BEAST, Kim Soo Hyun, IU and Yoo Jae Suk (Photos from www.newsen.com)

Here's the poster for Jay Park's New Breed promo tour in the Philippines slated on May 4 to 6 in different venues.